The Eighty Years War

(1568–1648)

(The Dutch War of Independence)


Key People


Alessandro Farnese - lead the Spanish

Frederick Henry - lead the Dutch to their win


Phase 1


The war of Netherlands independence from Spain, which led to the separation of the northern and southern Netherlands and to the formation of the United Provinces of the Netherlands (the Dutch Republic). On the Map you see the Netherlands in 1568, the South part was ruled by the Spanish.



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Phase 2

By the end of 1573 the Geuzen had captured the provinces of Holland and Zeeland, converted them to Calvinism, and secured them against Spanish attacks . Later the other Provinces joined the revolt in 1576, a general union was formed.

Phase 3

This Union was weakened in 1579 by the defection of the Roman Catholic Walloon provinces. Because of this weakness, the Spanish, under Alessandro Farnese, had reconquered the Southern Low Countries.

Phase 4

Fighting resumed in 1621, and formed a part of the general 30 Years war. After 1625, the Dutch scored significant victories under Frederick Henry, and finally won against the Spanish. In 1648, Spain finally gave independence to the Netherlands, now called the Dutch Republic.